History

On This Day July 4

 

Significant Canadian Events on July 4 (in history)

  1. 1867 – First Canadian federal cabinet sworn in

    • Just three days after Confederation on July 1, 1867, Canada’s first cabinet under Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald continued organizing the new government. Much of the foundational structure was being put in place this week.

  2. 1957 – John Diefenbaker becomes leader of the Progressive Conservative Party

    • On July 4, 1957, Diefenbaker was appointed Prime Minister after Louis St. Laurent’s Liberal government lost the election. He would go on to serve until 1963.

  3. 1972 – Paul Henderson scores in Canada-Russia hockey exhibition

    • While the legendary goal came in September, July 4 saw key players like Paul Henderson named to Team Canada for the upcoming Summit Series. Training camps and press attention were ramping up by early July.

Quick Note:

Canada’s national holiday is Canada Day on July 1, celebrating Confederation in 1867. So July 4 doesn’t hold the same patriotic significance for Canadians as it does for Americans.